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Durham College, Trent University accelerating talent for supply chain sector with new diploma-to-degree agreement

Durham College (DC) and Trent University Durham Greater Toronto Area (GTA) have established a new transfer agreement that provides students in DC’s Supply Chain and Operations diploma and advanced diploma programs with an accelerated pathway to earn a Bachelor of Arts in Logistics and Supply Chain Management from Trent Durham.

Through the agreement, eligible graduates can fast-track their bachelor’s degree by transferring earned credits from the college to Trent. Students in this pathway will build on the practical, experiential knowledge gained at DC with a broader theoretical foundation at Trent and further application of logistics and supply chain principles. By working together, the institutions will strengthen opportunities for students pursuing careers in one of Canada’s fastest growing and most critical sectors.

“This agreement recognizes the deep value of the applied, hands-on training our students receive and gives them the opportunity to build on that with further academic theory – a combination that sets them up for success working in the complex world of supply chain management,” said Cristina Italia, Executive Dean of the Faculty of Business and Information Technology at DC.

Industry demand continues to rise for supply chain professionals who can manage disruption, drive innovation, and lead in a rapidly evolving global market. By staying local while accessing high-quality education from both institutions, students benefit from convenience, continuity, and strong ties to regional employers.

“Dependable supply chains are the backbone of our global economy, so it is vital that we support the education and training of new talent in this field,” said Dr. Scott Henderson, Vice-President and Head of Trent University Durham GTA. “Businesses here in the Durham Region and around the world need leaders in logistics who can navigate shifting policies and emerging technology to help them succeed and grow. With this pathway, our institutions will facilitate a new generation of leaders and experts.”

The pathway is open to both current and recent DC graduates who began their studies from fall 2020 onward, who are looking to enhance their credentials.

For more information about this and other pathways, visit Durham College Transfer Pathways or ontransfer.ca.

Supply Chain students embrace experiential learning

Hands-on learning is a priority at Durham College (DC) and recently, students in the Supply Chain programs took advantage of two dynamic opportunities to put what they’re learning in the classroom to the test.

Global Manufacturing Sustainability SAP ERPSIM Challenge

In this competition, student teams managed a virtual manufacturing company using SAP S/4HANA – the same enterprise resource planning software utilized by businesses around the world.

Over three weeks, teams made critical real-time decisions in areas such as procurement, production, sales, inventory management, and sustainability initiatives. Their goal was to maximize their company’s financial valuation while maintaining sustainable business practices.

The DC team of Supply Chain Management – Global students Manik Badhwar, Deniesha Goldbourne, Ayokunle Ayodele, Ogooluwa Olafusi and Ravi placed sixth out of 22 teams from around the world.

“The competition was a great opportunity for me to apply the many concepts I had learned in my program,” said Badhwar. “It was one of the most memorable experiences of my time at Durham College—one I will never forget.”

For Supply Chain Program Coordinator Jennifer Souch, the team’s success in the competition was proof that their effort, dedication, and teamwork had paid off, and that her students are ready to launch successful careers.

“They demonstrated their ability to apply supply chain and enterprise resource planning knowledge in a practical setting,” said Souch. “Employers highly value hands-on experience and participating in a global competition of this caliber sets them apart in a competitive job market. It highlights their ability to make data-driven decisions, collaborate effectively, and adapt to complex business challenges—all essential skills for success in the industry.”

Collaborative Online Integrated Learning (COIL) initiative

DC and Inholland University partnered to give students a unique opportunity to collaborate with their peers on the other side of the world. Hundreds of students from each school took part in analyzing the fresh-cut flower and timber supply chains and providing actionable recommendations aligned with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).Five students stand in front of a screen studying a chart.

By taking part in the project, our DC students enhanced their intercultural communication skills, gained experience working in diverse, virtual teams and strengthened their critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.

Working in concert with the SDGs was particularly helpful, as it challenged the students to consider real world problems that exist globally and how they might address them, according to Faculty Member Allana Persaud.

“Companies are looking for solution-oriented people. It’s one thing to know how to run a supply chain. It’s another thing to know how to proactively manage a supply chain with risk management, ensuring that you’re always looking ahead,” she said.

The initiative was an invaluable opportunity for experiential learning that will give the students an edge in the job market.

“If you’re in an interview and you’re asked about your experience, and you don’t have any, this project is something practical you can build upon,” said Chinasa Chukwuezue, one of the participating students.